08 November 2023, Rarotonga, Cook Islands - The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the margins of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM52) in the Cook Islands.
The Memorandum of Cooperation between the organisations, signed at the Atiu Hostel in Avarua, signifies a standing commitment to foster greater cooperation to advance aviation development and environment protection and sustainability in line with the 2050 Strategy of the Blue Pacific Continent.
The signing followed the PIF Leaders and CROP Heads Meeting at Rarotonga’s National Auditorium on Tuesday where Pacific leaders gathered to address challenges such as the existential threat of climate change, sustainable development, oceans conservation, fisheries, gender, trade, nuclear issues and economic resilience among others.
SPREP Director General, Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, said the Memorandum is symbolic for the organisations, and the Pacific region.
"The aviation sector is one of the main users of weather and climate information that SPREP is strengthening through its regional lead on climate and Meteorological services. We look forward to continuing our partnership with PASO in initiatives like the Weather Ready Pacific and the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC),” Mr Nawadra said.
The Memorandum of Cooperation outlines the scope of the intended cooperation, recognising PASO’s primary role to provide technical assistance and regulatory oversight to support States in the conduct of their international civil aviation safety and security regulatory obligations, and SPREP’s role to promote co-operation in the South Pacific region and to provide needed assistance to protect and improve our environment and to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations.
PASO General Manager, Mr Andrew Valentine, expressed his satisfaction of the signing of this MOC.
“This arrangement solidifies our partnership and collective efforts, as fellow CROP agencies, for us to work closer together to provide greater coordination and information for our Members with respect to matters of Aviation Meteorological and Environmental protection,” he said.
The Memorandum of Cooperation will provide a coordinated and cohesive platform to support States with their certification of Part 174 Aviation Meteorological Service Organisations.
Additional key focus area is to progress initiatives targeted at addressing the environmental impacts of aviation and to enhance the protection and sustainability of our environment.
ENDS